Whatcom County Public Works Podcast

Season 4, Episode 2: Freeze/Thaw Roadway Monitoring with the Traffic Division

Soon-to-be retired Senior Traffic Tech Dave Hower joins Roland and Mandy to talk about the importance of frost depth monitoring on County roadways. 

Season 4, Episode 1: 2026 Outlook with Director Elizabeth Kosa

In this Season 4 kickoff episode, Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa looks ahead to 2026—sharing thoughts on the department’s priorities, the challenges we’re navigating, and the opportunities ahead for Public Works. It’s a chance to hear directly from leadership about where we’re headed and what to expect in the coming year.

Season 3, Episode 11: Future Shorelines with Chris Elder

Natural Resources Division Senior Planner Chris Elder joins Roland and Mandy to discuss the recent Future Shorelines Project. More information is available on the project website. 

Season 3, Episode 10: Budget Impacts to Seasonal Maintenance Work

Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa joins hosts Roland and Mandy to talk about supplemental budget impacts on the department. Michael & Gina, Assistant Superintendents of Maintenance & Operations, further explain the effects on road maintenance. 

Season 3, Episode 9: Fall Flush with the Whatcom Conservation District

Each year when the rain returns, it carries more than water into our creeks and bays. This new episode of the Whatcom County Public Works Podcast dives into the “fall flush” — what it is, why it matters, and how small actions at home can make a big difference for local water quality.
Hear the surprising connections between what happens in your yard and the seafood we enjoy in local waters. You’ll also learn more about rebates, free farm planning help, and other programs available for residents and rural landowners.

Season 3, Episode 8: Pet Waste Outreach & Water Quality

This episode of the Whatcom County Public Works Podcast features staff from our Stormwater and our Pollution, Identification, and Correction Program (PIC) to discuss how pet waste affects water quality. Listen to learn more about our Scoop It, Bag It, Trash It campaign and the summer outreach we're doing to update pet owners. 

Season 3, Episode 7: Health of the Road & Flood Funds

Season 3 of the Public Works Podcast continues with more info on the department's financial health. Hosts Roland and Mandy are joined by Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa, River & Flood Manager Julie Anderson, and Natural Resources Manager Gary Stoyka to discuss the status of the Road Fund and the Flood Fund.
Listen to learn more about where the money comes from, how cash flow affects the work we do, and the solutions we're proposing to help restore healthy fund balances.

Season 3, Episode 6: County Engineer Doug Ranney Shares Summer Construction Updates

Roland and Mandy are joined by County Engineer Doug Ranney to discuss summer construction projects. Listen to learn more about how cash flow is affecting projects, as well as which ones are moving forward this summer. (Read Episode 6 transcript)

Season 3, Episode 5: National Public Works Week and Summer Road Maintenance

Public Works Maintenance & Operations Assistant Superintendents Gina Miller and Michael Koenen join the podcast to discuss road maintenance work drivers experience each summer. We'll also touch on National Public Works Week and a cool partnership that they've developed with Ferndale High School. (Read the episode transcript)

Season 3, Episode 4: Chatting with Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci

Worried about how federal funding cuts might affect our local projects? Roland and Mandy are joined by Whatcom County's new Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci to learn more about what the County is doing to prepare. Aly will also share her background, the role of the Deputy Executive, and what she's learned about the duties of Public Works. 

Season 3, Episode 3: Learn More About Water Adjudication

Public Works Natural Resources Manager Gary Stoyka and Outreach Specialist Becky Snijder van Wissenkerke join the podcast to discuss the WRIA1 water adjudication process and the tools that Public Works has set up to help the water users involved. (Read the episode transcript) 

Season 3, Episode 2: Ferry Crew Safety & Training

Roland and Mandy speak with the Whatcom Chief's Senior Master, Gary Poole, and Public Works Safety & Training Coordinator, Gabel Bredy, about the safety and training measures for the crew of the Whatcom Chief. Listen to learn more about their recent state-wide safety award!

Season 3, Episode 1: Interview with Director Elizabeth Kosa

Roland & Mandy interview Whatcom County Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa. Elizabeth shares an overview of our 2024 accomplishments and some big projects Whatcom County can expect in 2025. (Read the episode transcript)  

Season 2, Episode 13: Winter Road Maintenance

Public Works Maintenance & Operations Assistant Superintendents Gina Miller and Michael Koenen join the podcast to discuss our winter road maintenance work and set expectations for the coming season. 

Season 2, Episode 12: Councilmembers Buchanan, Scanlon, and Stremler

Whatcom County Councilmembers Barry Buchanan, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler join the podcast to discuss public works issues, both present and future. 

Season 2, Episode 11: Division of Emergency Management Deputy Director Matt Klein

The new deputy director of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Matt Klein, joins the podcast to discuss division responsibilities. Learn more about how our two entities work together, as well as DEM's role in emergent and non-emergent times.  (Read the episode transcript)

Season 2, Episode 10: Public Works Assistant Director Laura Frolich

Public Works' new assistant director, Laura Froluch, joins Roland & Mandy to discuss her background, her goals for the position, and the department budget.  (Read the episode transcript)

Season 2, Episode 9: Summer Road Maintenance

Public Works Maintenance & Operations Assistant Superintendents Gina Miller and Michael Koenen will join the podcast to discuss road maintenance activities drivers experience each summer. 

Season 2, Episode 8: All About Roundabouts

Whatcom County Public Works Engineering Manager Josh Cihak joins Roland and Mandy to share more about these often misunderstood traffic features. Did you know there's even a rock song written about them?

Season 2, Episode 7: County Engineer Doug Ranney

Whatcom County Engineer Doug Ranney joins podcast hosts Roland and Mandy to talk about the role and work of the Whatcom County Public Works engineering team.